Summary : On this far-reaching expedition to the islands of the South Atlantic Ocean and the Antarctic mainland, revel in exploration aboard a comfortable and well-appointed research vessel. Throughout your trip, a highly experienced expedition staff will provide excellent customer care in a casual and active environment--daily hikes, kayaking excursions, and daily Zodiac rides. After a couple days in the Falklands, enjoy three days on magnificent South Georgia--known for dramatic mountains and the pompous king penguins numbering in the thousands. Make a couple stops in the South Orkney Islands before arriving at the much-anticipated Antarctic Mainland where you encounter an unimaginable profusion of penguins, whales cresting in close proximity, and sweeping ice sheets that span an entire continent.

Activities : Birding, Camping, Hiking, Kayaking, Photography

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Today is the first day of your adventure. Board your ship in Ushuaia, the world's southernmost city on the tip of Argentina, and settle into your "home" for the next 18 days. In the early evening, set sail and begin your voyage leaving behind Ushuaia and charting a course through the Beagle Channel.

You have the chance to spend plenty of time with onboard polar experts. They will be educating you as you travel through the wonders of Antarctica. Sailing northeast, you will likely be joined by swooping seabirds including the wandering albatross, who you will come to know well on this journey.

Arriving in the Falklands during the night, by morning you are excited to make your first shore excursion. The plan is to explore the islands of the West Falkland Archipelago, home to a profusion of seabirds and migratory birds including the black-browed albatross. Your first penguin sightings will be on the islands of West Point with its bustling rookeries of rockhoppers. On Carcass Island, observe nesting Magellanic penguins along with oystercatchers, geese and the flightless steamer duck who is a permanent Falkland resident.

The next day, make a stop in Stanley, the capital of the Falkland Islands. As you wander through the charming streets of brightly painted houses, learn how this quiet harbor was once a major port in the 19th century for ships attempting to round the formidable waters of Cape Horn. You also make a stop in Stanley's famed philatelic museum with its impressive collection of historic stamps.

Now you sail southeast bound for the island of South Georgia. These days at sea are never dull. Much of your time is spent scanning the horizon in search of whales and other marine mammals as well as seabirds. Your friendly onboard experts continue to fill minds with heroic stories of some of the earliest daredevils to explore Antarctica. You also learn about Polar conservation--a theme particularly close to the hearts of your guides and crew. The anticipation grows particularly as you cross the Antarctic Convergence and notice a dramatic drop in temperature.

Majestic snow-covered mountains greet you on the island of South Georgia, the most rugged island in this region. Cruise the protected waters of the eastern coast looking for suitable landing spots such as Salisbury Plain and St Andrews Bay. The highlight of both these excursions is the mind-boggling abundance of king penguin adults and young that live in these locations by the hundreds of thousands, covering every inch of the shore. That is not the only wildlife on display. Fur seals can be seen poking their heads above the water, skuas and giant petrels swoop in the skies above, and the albatross--your constant companion--is never far away. You may explore an old whaling station at Grytviken (Greet-vik-in) and visit the grave of the most famous Antarctic explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton.

As you cross the Scotia Sea, sailing ever closer to Antarctica, you may visit the South Orkney Islands. Linked to the Antarctic Peninsula by an enormous sub-marine mountain range these islands, often shrouded in mist, are protected by large icebergs and sea ice. If you are lucky, there will be an excursion to Coronation Island to observe penguins nesting in moss beds alongside graceful snow petrels. You may also stop at the remote island of Laurie and visit the Argentinean meteorological station located there.

Elephant Island, en route to the South Shetland Islands, will be your next destination if conditions are suitable. Here, learn more about the famous Antarctic adventures of Sir Ernest Shackleton. This island was a place of refuge in 1916 for Shackleton and his crew after his ship was destroyed by pack ice in the Weddell Sea. Next, you spend some time cruising among the South Shetland Islands just off the Antarctic Peninsula. Dazzling wildlife sightings await on your excursions to some of these islands including King George, Half Moon, Aicho or Livingston. Adélie, chinstrap and gentoo penguins thrive here, as do several species of seal. You may even see the gentle humpback whale dining on krill off King George Island.

Weather permitting, enter the flooded volcanic caldera of Deception Island. At this recently active volcano the hot, thermal water mixes with the icy, Southern Ocean making this a great place for a quick dip for the more intrepid guest. If you prefer to stay dry, you may choose to enjoy a spectacular walk to the higher points of the crater rim. There is also an abandoned whaling station nearby begging exploration. Finally, after so much anticipation, arrive at the Antarctic mainland in Paradise Harbor or Hope Bay. The scenery here--from the colossal icebergs to the seemingly endless Antarctic ice sheet--is truly breathtaking. Weather permitting, you may undertake a shore excursion and set foot on the White Continent itself.

Make your way back, heading again across the Antarctic Convergence and the Drake Passage before rounding Cape Horn. Sailing down the Beagle Channel, you celebrate the conclusion of your Polar expedition at a special dinner.

In the early morning, arrive back in Ushuaia. It is time to say farewell to your crew and fellow travelers. Guests will be transported to their hotels or to the airport for return flights home.

Notes

The above itinerary is a guide only, as the exact program depends on weather and ice conditions and the wildlife you encounter. Flexibility is the key to the success of this expedition.

Mandatory Insurance: All guests are required to have comprehensive travel insurance which must cover accidents, injury, illness and death, medical expenses, including any related to pre-existing medical conditions, emergency repatriation (including helicopter) and personal liability. ExpeditionTrips strongly recommends at least $200,000 Emergency Medical/Evacuation coverage for Antarctic trips which includes coverage for cancellation, trip disruption, baggage and personal property. ExpeditionTrips can assist you with this. It must cover cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. You must carry proof of insurance with you and produce it if requested by expedition staff. The expedition team reserves the right to cancel or suspend your participation on a trip or in certain activities that comprise part of a trip, at any time, including after the commencement of your tour, with no right of refund, if you are unable to provide proof of insurance when requested.

Sea Kayaking Option: $795 per person Pre-booked option for up to 16 guests. If you have experience sea kayaking and are interested in doing this activity during the expedition, you will need to book this option prior to departure from home. You cannot book this activity once onboard. There is a separate document for sea kayakers that you will need to review beforehand. Provided equipment includes full Gore-Tex drysuits, kayak specific PFD's, neoprene booties, a waterproof deck bag, pogies and many other vital paddling accessories.

Enhanced Photography Program: No additional supplement (2/6/2015) Select departures host an enhanced photography program, where in addition to the photographer in residence, a professional photographer will serve as one of the expedition guides. This expands the opportunities and bandwidth for those passengers looking to learn more and get more out of their images. Also available is an onboard multimedia download studio with computers, cables, and hard-drives for back-up storage and for creating DVDs of your images.

Hiking Excursions: No additional supplement No pre-booking required. Trekking poles are available onboard for passenger use and instep crampons will be provided if necessary to improve traction on slick surfaces. Sturdy hiking books and warm hiking socks are needed to join this activity. Hikes will be 2-3 hours in duration and will involve negotiating challenging terrain without the assistance of trails. Antarctica hiking rewards with images of snow, ice, mountains, and glaciers.

Photography: No additional supplement. An onboard photographer is available to work with you throughout the voyage to help you improve your photography and encourage you to look at scenes or events in a different way in order to capture them digitally. Also available is an onboard multimedia download studio with computers, cables, and hard-drives for back-up storage and for creating DVDs of your images.

Camping Option: No additional supplement. No pre-booking required. If conditions are suitable and you choose to camp on the continent, all the required gear such as a few tents, bivy sacs and sleeping bags, will be provided. This excursion is managed with strict environmental regulations. A portable outhouse tent is used and absolutely everything is transported back to the ship afterwards. Select departures may have lower probability of camping. Please contact ExpeditionTrips for details.

Included: Accommodation aboard the ship; all meals during the voyage prepared by onboard professional chefs; afternoon tea with fresh snacks each afternoon; coffee, tea, hot chocolate throughout the day; all Zodiac excursions; extensive program of relevant educational presentations; advice from experienced team of naturalists; foul weather gear set (pants/jacket/wellington boots OR waterproof backpack/waterproof binoculars/wellington boots); use of multimedia station; welcome reception; welcome dinner; farewell dinner hosted by Captain; 'Memory Book' (log book chronicling your trip, includes photos); onboard medical officer; pre-departure information; hairdryers available on request at no charge; transfers from the meeting point in Ushuaia to the pier to board the ship on day 1 of the cruise and transfers from the pier to the meeting point or airport on the last day of the cruise.

Single Supplement: 1.5 times the regular double occupancy rate for twin cabins and 2 times the regular double occupancy rate for suites (not available in the triple share category). Kayaking Supplement: $795 per person

Akademik Sergey Vavilov

Overview : This 92-passenger well-equipped research vessel is highly maneuverable and very stable. With ice-strengthened hulls and stabilizers, she is one of the most seaworthy vessels traveling to the Polar Regions. Onboard, the atmosphere is relaxed and informal; the interior is bright, modern, and comfortable. From small group sessions to briefings for all passengers, public spaces onboard the ship are ideally suited for each and every need. A separate bar and lounge located on deck six, as well as a library provide ideal places to sit and relax or catch up on some reading. The onboard wellness program includes yoga instruction (select departures), daily meditation, registered massage therapist, sauna, hot water spa, refreshing salt-water plunge pool, and healthy meals prepared by a leading culinary team. The Vavilov has ample outside viewing areas and expansive windows in the lounge to enjoy spectacular views.

Cabin Description : Each cabin has an outside view with a window or porthole, ample storage, writing desk, private or semi-private facilities, and beds have memory foam mattress toppers for added comfort. Additional amenities are available and vary by cabin.

Melissa L.

APO, AE Dec 2013

Antarctic Peninsula

Research Ship
Akademik Sergey Vavilov

I just wanted to say thanks to the staff, they really listened to the passengers and tried to make us happy. We weren't scheduled to stop at an active station but we really wanted our passports stamped, so the crew went above and beyond to accommodate our request. They were superb! And so was the staff at ExpeditionTrips, a pleasure to work with and it made my journey that much better. :) What I thought was going to be just another trip truly turned out to be the trip of a lifetime for me!!

I was inspired to take this trip for the adventure! I always wanted to see Antarctica! There were so many memorable moments on this expedition—stepping foot on the continent for the first time! The waves of the Drake Passage! The Polar Plunge! Kayaking through giant ice fields! Looking out my cabin window and seeing Antarctica for the first time!

The level of service was amazing! The staff was incredible, very friendly and always there to talk. The naturalists were super helpful and actually loved what they were doing and loved to talk to us about it. They welcomed questions, as did the staff, and I think this really made the trip exceptional. We were never bored, the presentations were a great way to break up the sailing days.

The expedition exceeded my expectations! I never imagined I would meet so many wonderful people and have such a good time, especially because I was traveling alone. But I had an amazing time. This is due to the friendly nature aboard the ship and all the fun things that were available for us to do. Not only the excursions during the day, but the little things, like cookie decorating, or Christmas decorating party, stuff like that. It brought us together and made for a fun atmosphere!

Working with ExpeditionTrips was superb. You were very honest in telling me what I was going to get for my money, there were no hidden costs or surprises. Also, you guys helped me plan it so well and answered all of my questions right away. You guys did everything, you always got back to me ASAP when I had questions, and honestly, because of your customer service, I chose this expedition, and I'm so glad I did. I would definitely book future trips with you.

Samantha and Danny M.

Boulder, CO Nov 2013

Antarctica, Falklands and South Georgia

Research Ship
Akademik Sergey Vavilov

The level of service was amazing. Both the service crew and the naturalist guides went out of their way to make this an amazing trip. The level of expertise by the naturalist crew was very impressive. Because my husband and I are both teachers, the educational aspect of this trip was very important to us.
The folks we talked with at ET, were so helpful and seem to really care about us and our needs. All questions were answered and the pre-trip information was very helpful. We worked mainly with Lorraine, and she was/is wonderful. I hope to be able to plan future trips through her.

Darlene and Jim P.

Ottawa, ON, Canada Jan 2013

Antarctic Peninsula with Circle Crossing

Research Ship
Akademik Sergey Vavilov

This was an extraordinary experience that we find hard to describe. It was unique and we were profoundly touched by it. It was what it was, so cannot be improved upon. We found the Vavilov to be more comfortable than we had expected it to be.

The Vavilov's expedition crew is an extraordinary team of competent, experienced and knowledgeable people. The team leader was highly regarded by his team, a gifted communicator and a straight shooter. As passengers, we came to learn that he and the Captain were making decisions as to route and landings with everyone’s safety in mind, and that he was committed to making this a high quality expedition. His daily pre-and post-briefings were clear and direct. The other crew members were courteous, competent, and always accessible. Each had his or her own specialty and they all brought passion and energy to their work. The team seemed to operate seamlessly and purposefully in a very professional manner. They were exceptional.

We found the ExpeditionTrips staff to be readily available on the phone or online to answer our enquiries. We had a great trip. Thanks to everyone at ExpeditionTrips who worked with us.

All requests for cancellation must be received in writing. Your deposit is non-refundable. Cancellation penalties are based on the number of days prior to departure that the cancellation was received and are subject to change without notice. We strongly suggest you obtain trip cancellation insurance. Failure to secure a valid passport, visa, or air arrangements does not waive this policy. No refunds will be made if you leave a trip for any reason after the trip has begun.

Penalties:Less than 90 days: Shipping company retains 100% of total cost